India wrapped up another dominant night in Delhi, defeating Afghanistan by eight wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series on Tuesday.
After chasing down 157 in just 13.4 overs in the opening game, India made another effortless pursuit, reaching 160 in only 14.5 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Afghanistan, playing as the designated hosts, once again struggled to match India’s intensity. Their 159-run total was never enough on a good batting surface, particularly against an Indian line-up that had already demonstrated its firepower in the series opener.
Even Rashid Khan’s three-wicket spell could not change the course of the match. India’s top order had already done the damage, while Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma ensured there were no late complications.
SAMSON MAKES A STATEMENT
Sanju Samson grabbed his opportunity with both hands after failing to make an impact in the first T20I.
The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 57 from only 22 balls, ending a five-innings wait for a T20I half-century. His explosive knock included seven fours and four sixes and gave India the perfect platform during the chase.
Samson took a measured approach initially before shifting gears against Afghanistan’s spinners and pacers. His clean hitting through the covers and powerful shots down the ground underlined the confidence that has made him an important part of India’s T20 plans.
The innings also came at a crucial time for Samson, who has faced competition for a place in the side. With younger options pushing for opportunities, he responded with one of his most impactful innings of the series.
Abhishek Sharma once again provided the early fireworks. After his 82 off 32 balls in the opening game, he smashed 39 from 19 deliveries in Delhi, including four sixes.
Afghanistan tried opening with spin in an attempt to slow India’s left-hander, but Abhishek immediately attacked the strategy. He took 22 runs from Mohammad Nabi’s 11 deliveries and helped India race through the powerplay.
Samson and Abhishek added 82 runs in the first six overs, leaving Afghanistan with little room for recovery.
Rashid Khan briefly gave Afghanistan hope by removing both Abhishek and Samson in the same over before dismissing Shreyas Iyer as well. But India’s advantage was too large to overturn.
Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma then took control, putting together an 88-run partnership from just 38 balls to complete another comfortable chase.
NITISH BOUNCES BACK
Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a major response after an expensive outing in the first T20I, producing career-best figures of 3 for 24 in three overs.
With Hardik Pandya unavailable, Nitish has been given an opportunity to establish himself as India’s fast-bowling all-rounder. His performance in Delhi showed the value of that role.
He removed Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran in the ninth over after the skipper had helped steady the innings following Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s first-ball dismissal.
Ibrahim and Sediqullah Atal had added 51 for the second wicket, but Nitish ended the partnership when Ibrahim picked out deep mid-wicket.
The young all-rounder struck again in his next over, dismissing Gulbadin Naib after the extra bounce forced a top edge. Samson completed the catch.
Nitish saved his biggest wicket for the final over. Rashid Khan was attempting to accelerate after reaching 28 off 15 balls, but Nitish used a back-of-the-hand slower delivery to deceive him. Rashid found the mid-wicket fielder.
Despite conceding a six from the final delivery, Nitish restricted the damage and finished with three wickets.
Arshdeep Singh claimed two wickets, while Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi also picked up one each. Axar removed the dangerous Azmatullah Omarzai, while Bumrah continued his steady comeback by dismissing Mohammad Nabi.
Afghanistan’s top order again failed to build a substantial platform. They were reduced to 96 for 5 before late contributions from Darwish Rasooli, Rashid and Nabi lifted them to 159.
INDIA TOO STRONG AGAIN
The target never appeared threatening once India’s chase began. Abhishek and Samson’s 82-run powerplay assault effectively settled the contest, leaving Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma with a simple task.
India reached 160 in 14.5 overs to seal the series with a match still remaining.
The final T20I will be played on Thursday, with India likely to consider changes after securing the series. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be looking to avoid a clean sweep and search for their first T20I win over India.
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